Montague Texas History:
Montague was established in 1858 on 160 acres of land donated by Daniel Montague. The Montague post office opened in 1860. In 1880, the Montague had five businesses including the only flour mill and grist mills in the county, three churches, a school and 400 residents. During the 1880s Montague was bypassed by the Fort Worth and Denver Railway, and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. In 1886, W. A. Morris and C. C. White attempted to provide the town with rail service by building the Weatherford and Great Northwestern rail line between Bowie and Montague, but only eight miles of track were built before the money ran out. Montague incorporated in 1886. It was unincorporated in 1900. Today the town is still the market center for area farmers and ranchers. Montague is located at the intersection of SH 59 and SH 175, 60 miles southeast of Wichita Falls, 38.5 miles southeast of Henrietta, approximately 24 miles south of the Red River and the Oklahoma border, 11 miles south of Nocona and Lake Nocona, 14.6 miles southwest of Saint Jo, 71 miles west of Sherman, 39 miles west of Gainesville, 24 miles west of Muenster, 40 miles northwest of Decatur, approximately 24 miles north of the LBJ National Grasslands, 40.6 miles north of Bridgeport and Lake Bridgeport, 46 miles northeast of Jacksboro, and 12.4 miles northeast of Bowie, Texas.

Montague County Courthouse, 1912:
This beautiful courthouse was designed in classical revival style by George Burnett. Its once stunning columned dome was destroyed in a 1941 wind storm. The dome was removed and replaced with the current top structure which locals call the Chicken Coop. The 2010 Montague County census was 19,719. (940) 894-2401. 101 East Franklin Street, Montague, Texas 76251. Email

The Stonewall Saloon Museum, 1873, Saint Jo, TX:
The museum opened in 1958. It features swinging doors, a bar from Floresville, and exhibits depicting the history of St. Jo and the area. When the wall paint was removed during a restoration, an 1870s mural was discovered. The museum is located on the Courthouse Square which is located on Howell Street. Saint Jo is located at the intersection of U.S. 82 and FM 677 (Boggess Street), 13.6 miles southeast of Nocona, 14.6 miles southwest of Montague, and 9.4 miles northwest of Muenster, Texas. EmailSt. Jo Texas Area Map

Weinhof Winery in Forestburg and in Muenster, TX:
This small winery offers fruit and specialty wines. They have locations in Muenster and in Forestburg. The Forestburg tasting room is open Sat, 12 noon-6pm; Sun, 12:30pm-5pm, or by appointment. The Muenster Tasting Room is open Fri-Sat, 12 noon-6pm; Sun, 12 noon-5pm, or by appointment. They host special events and are available for private functions. Forestburg: (972) 964-2552. 16678 FM 455, Forestburg. Muenster: (940) 759-4637. 123 W. Division Street (SH. 82) in Muenster. EmailForestburg Area MapMuenster Area Map

Annual Forestburg, Texas Watermelon Festival and Homecoming, August:
The rodeo begins at 8pm at the Forestburg Rodeo Arena. Proceeds benefit the Red River Master Gardeners Log Cabin Heritage Project. Next day activities include a parade, food and other vendors, fresh produce sales, a raffle, music and more. Western memorabilia will be displayed in the Akins Building on Main Street from 1pm-3pm. A barbeque lunch will be served in the community center after the parade. Rodeo: (940) 964-2483. Parade: (940) 964-2237. Forestburg is located at the intersection of FM 677 and FM 1655, 24 miles southeast of Bowie, 23 miles southeast of Nocona, 12.7 miles southeast of Montague, 17.5 miles southwest of Muenster, and 13.3 miles slightly southeast of Saint Jo, Texas. Forestburg MapForestburg Texas Area Map

Ancient Ovens, Saint Jo, TX:
They serve wonderful old world Italian cuisine; indoor and outdoor dining is available. Their food is cooked in two wood fired ovens. They occasionally have live music. Guests may bring their own bottle; wine may be purchased from the adjacent Arche Winery. Their hours vary; they are generally open from 7pm-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes on Thursdays. You must make a reservation by phone. (940) 366-4255. This restaurant is located on the BlueDog Vista Ranch. 857 Childress Road, Saint Jo, TX 76265. Reviews